Industry Voices: Paul Gudgin, Make Music Day


We’re excited to see the announcements for Make Music Day UK, 2023, and we have had the pleasure of speaking to Co-Director Paul Gudgin about the event.  Read on to find out more, including how both retailers and manufacturers can be involved, and look out for a Zoom drop-in session in the near future.

When and how did Make Music Day begin?

 It all started in Paris in 1982 where the Ministry of Culture launched the Fête de la Musique. Very different from a typical music festival, it was open to anyone who wanted to take part. Every kind of musician young or old, amateur or professional and of every musical persuasion. All of it free and open to the public. From there the idea has evolved worldwide with Make Music Day being celebrated in 130 countries annually.

Why is this event important?

It is a unique and truly global celebration of music making which provides an opportunity for the UK’s entire community of musicians to share their skill and passion with each other and a wider public. The pandemic made it abundantly clear how important music is in so many people’s lives yet as an industry it was difficult to get our collective voices heard. Make Music Day should be that annual reminder of the incredible strength and diversity of music in the UK.

 How can MI retailers get involved, and is there also a place for manufacturers?

 Retailers can absolutely be involved in Make Music Day. They can host events in their premises – concerts, workshops, ‘have a go’ sessions. It is also a good opportunity to create events with partners such as schools, libraries, shopping centres and music venues. The same for manufacturers. It is a chance to draw focus to their particular instruments. In the US there have been some amazing ‘mass appeal’ events bringing together hundreds of people of all levels and ages to make music in large, single-instrument groups. We are always happy to talk through ideas and help make connections and would welcome any retailers or manufacturers to contact us at Make Music Day.

 Why should they?

 Make Music Day is first and foremost an opportunity to showcase the breadth and vibrancy of music in the UK, retailers and manufacturers are a vital part of that ecology. As all the events are free it is highly accessible, drawing into our world and inspiring people who would not normally experience live music. It is also an opportunity for retailers or manufacturers to attract attention to themselves locally or even nationally through involvement in creative events and projects.

 Can you share one story which demonstrates the impact of Make Music Day?

A really lovely event was produced by the Richard Shephard Music Foundation. They brought together 120 children from their partner schools to sing in the Chapter House of York Minster. The joy on their faces as they sang Don’t Stop Me Now in that magnificent building was a great sight and I’m sure the experience is likely to have changed a few lives. Similarly watching 80 Samba drummers outside the National Gallery in Edinburgh was an incredible spectacle stopping people in their tracks to take in the most incredible sight and sound.

 Where will you be on the day?

I will be in Edinburgh where we have a large number of Make Music Day events taking place. It is also where we will be hosting our Make Music Day live broadcast which runs throughout the day and drops in on events all over the UK.


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